Southern Hospitality

Chapter 23

"Luke stop doing that" Evelyn whispered as I stood behind sucking on her neck. My arms were securely wrapped around her stomach and I watched her cook some burgers 

"I can't touch you now?" I sarcastically said 

"No but Landon is in the other room" she turned her head to glare at me

I let out a sigh and stepped back listening. Ever since Landon's baseball game we've been doing really good. Evelyn is here almost every night to help me cook dinner and give Abigail a break

We've gotten extremely close since our argument and It's became a routine for me to drop and pick her up from work then we come back to my place. Some days we picked up Landon and other Abigail or George offered so we could have time together 

Since our last trip to the pub we decided to stay in the house. The town has been talking crazy about us questioning things they shouldn't. But I'm used to their bull shit it doesn't bother me anymore.

For Evelyn she gets annoyed when people say something if she's at the local stores or when they stare. I told her it doesn't bother me so it shouldn't bother her

"Luke pass me those seasonings" she asked pointing to the garlic and onion powder she pulled out earlier 

"Darling when you gonna let take you out on a real date" I begged passing the seasonings 

"We have dates almost every night" she giggled but thats not what I was talking about 

"Out of the house baby" 

"Oh... the last time we tried to go to dinner you almost fought the workers and I felt uncomfortable with everyone staring at us" she expressed flipping the burgers 

I took her out to one of the local restaurants in towns and our night ended with me almost fighting the manager. Walter had been spreading lies about me since the night at the pub and of course it got around town

It's like no matter what I do or say people always find something to talk about and watching it affect Evelyn was never what I wanted

"Darlin, I'm sorry about that. He was saying foul stuff but this will be different. We're gonna go elsewhere" I smirked thinking of the perfect place to take her

"Mmmm, when would we go on this date" she asked slowly agreeing 

"I was thinkin tomorrow" I said cheesing. It was pretty last minute and I meant to ask her yesterday 

"Ok, I can to do that. Dinner is ready so go get Landon" she said placing the burgers on a plate and setting the table 

I let the kitchen and walked to the living room where Landon was on the couch playing with his iPad. The kid honestly loved the thing but Evelyn started limiting his screen time and made a schedule for him.

"Landon, dinner is ready" I tapped his shoulder 

"Finally, I was getting hungry" I swear this boy was growing up to fast 

Somedays it felt like he was parenting me and I couldn't help but laugh whenever he tried to scold me for picking him late from practice or not doing something right 

I entered the kitchen following Landon after he sprinted from the couch. He was sitting on the high chair at the counter next too Evelyn, I could honestly get used to this. 

Evelyn came into our life fast but she welcomed us with open arms. I was nervous about starting a relationship because I didn't know if being with me was something she wanted. I have a 6 year old kid so most women aren't knocking down my door

"Luke come eat" Evelyn motioned for me to come sit down

"Yea dad!" I took a seat next to Evelyn 

I wanted to kiss her right here for making dinner but Landon was here and we haven't told him about us dating yet. The food looked great Eve made burgers with mixed vegetables and fries. She cooked just like her grandmother and my tastebuds were on fire

"Do you guys like it" Landon and I looked at each then her

"I'd rate it a 6/10 darlin"

"Mmmm, I'm thinking a 8/10. The meat is cooked medium rare and the fries are crispy" Landon added on as I smiled proud 

Evelyn was looking at confused. We watch a lot of worlds worst cooks and like to act out the show. It was a little trick we liked to pull on Abigail but she got tired of it and threaten to kick us out if we did it again

"A six? I worked my butt off on this" she protested turning her nose 

"Landon thank you for your rating. At least somebody appreciates my cooking"

She started rubbing his back acting like she was mad at me. I moved closer to her and squeezed her leg. "I was jokin darling. The food is mouthwatering" 

"Mmmm, since its so good you can do the dishes"

Landon gave her a high five and they both giggled. I liked nights like these they made my crazy world feel normal. No drama just pure love and humor through the house and I wanted to hold on to it forever 

"Evelyn, you'd be proud of me! I made some friends at baseball" Landon bragged 

"Really? Thats great babe! Are they nice?" she asked giving him all her attention 

They went into a deep conversation over his new friends and baseball. We ended our nice watching a marvel movie Landon picked he's been obsessed with iron man lately

...

"Do you think we should tell him?" Evelyn asked laying on my chest 

After our dinner and movie night I convinced her stay the night since she didn't have to go to the office and Landon would be at school all day

"Tell him what?" I grumbled squeezing her closer to me 

"Luke" she laughed from my action 

"I mean he must be wondering why I'm here... every single night" I poked his bare chest

I didn't know what Evelyn was hinting at but Landon never questioned why she stayed over. He enjoyed her company and was happy to eat anything besides spaghetti 

"Darlin, he loves having you over!" I yawed getting tired 

"You think so? Its not weird" she questioned

Evelyn was always worried about others and though I adored that about her... I wish she wouldn't care at times. I just wanted to enjoy our night together and not focus on what my six year old son thinks. I know part of her wants something serious as every time we hang out she asks me when she can meet my family and shit 

She's nothing like Savannah and I keep telling myself that but I'm scared to take the risk. Landon is involved now and I have to think about him before anyone else

"Darlin everything is fine. Now lets finish this movie" I said ending the conversation 

Evelyn agreed as she rested her head on my shoulder